The naming of former San Francisco 49'ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, as its spokesperson for Nike's 30th anniversary, "Just Do It" campaign, has spawned outrage by millions of people across the country, including my fellow Tennessean, John Rich.

They argue that the controversial athlete, that took a knee before a football game as a protest gesture, disrespected the flag, which to them, deems him unpatriotic.

As a veteran and former member of Congress, I am well aware of the importance of the First Amendment, and what our flag represents as a symbol of freedom and sacrifice. However, I am outraged with Nike's decision for another even more salient reason.

And that is that Colin Kaepernick had never voted in an election or even registered to vote when he was protesting and took the knee as a professional athlete.

How can someone be held up as a role model, telling us what we should think, say, feel or purchase, when he has never cared enough to exercise his voice in support of our democracy? How could Nike overlook that fact, and then offer Kaepernick a multi-million-dollar deal?

As a member of Congress for 15 years, I have been faced with many challenges. I had to make the heart-wrenching choice-and it was-to send our brave young men and women in harm's way after we were attacked on 9/11.

Whether you are a veteran, or not, or a sports fan or not, we all need to express our outrage to Nike. In fact, I’ve been a Nike fan most of my life. Even my favorite Nike golf shoes will be retired unless Nike recognizes their egregious error.

Colin Kaepernick, by his failure to participate in our democratic process, should not pretend to be a patriot. Patriots serve their nation not only during wartime, but by getting involved and taking responsibility by exercising their right to vote.

Buncombe County, North Carolina's former county manager, Wanda Greene, 67; and assistant county managers Jon Creighton, 66, and Mandy Stone, 59, were indicted Aug. 7, 2018, with a series of federal crimes, including taking bribes and kickbacks from contractors. The cartoonist's homepage, citizen-times.com/voices-views David Cohen, Asheville (N.C.) Citizen-Times

The Miami Hurricanes have pledged to wear uniforms made recycled waste from the ocean at their season opener Sept. 2, 2018. The cartoonist's homepage, tallahassee.com/opinion Nathan Archer, Tallahassee (Fla.) Democrat

Ad campaign sends wrong message to young Americans

I recognize Kaepernick's right to express his opinion. I don't condone his failing to participate in a fair and free election process. He is not a role model to anyone who loves this country by abdicating his responsibility as an American citizen.

Even more disturbing are the deals Nike has forged with university sports teams across the country for their branded apparel, touting Kaepernick’s appeal to their students.

As an alumni, this is another frustrating action, since young people should have role models based upon the ideals we all hold dear as Americans. We are going down the wrong road, sending the wrong message to our young people that purchase Nike products. Instead, we should be encouraging them to participate in the process, and the best way to do that is by casting their vote.